Science sub "flying" across the Atlantic

The folks at the Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences at Rutgers University have build an unmanned sub designed to "glide" on ocean currents between 15 and 300 feet deep. The goal of the project is to gather data on ocean currents and temperatures, about which we know relatively little.

(Slocum Autonomous Underwater Glider, RU17, Photo: Rutgers)

The battery-powered sub, which measures about eight feet long and weighs about 130 pounds, "glides" forward by changing back and forth between positive and negative buoyancy, allowing a forward motion in still water of about 0.5 knots (approximately 0.6 miles per hour). Not terribly fast, but by catching ocean currents, the craft can cover ground much more quickly. The craft operates autonomously for the most part, but can receive steering inputs and exchange data via satellite connection.

Here's a video report on the group's earlier successful 1,600 mile mission to Halifax, Nova Scotia:



On May 21, 2008, the Rutgers crew launched their latest mission -- to travel from the waters off New Jersey across the Atlantic to the Western tip of Spain, a straight-line distance of about 3,300 miles. The expected as-traveled path is reported to be about 3,800 miles. Ocean data collected is shared with the U.S. Navy, which is also sharing forecast models to aid in path planning.

(Slocum Glider RU17 mission map, Photo: Rutgers)

The sub is currently about half-way across the Atlantic, and have been at sea for over 50 days. Here's map of its current progress:

(Slocum Glider RU17 progress map, Photo: Rutgers)

And here's a progress map showing ocean temperatures:

(Slocum Glider RU17 progress map, showing ocean temps, Photo: Rutgers)

To read more about the project and track progress of the current mission, go here.